For the First Time Ever Women Can Now Have This Badass Job

G.I. Jane is now a reality.

Today, the United States Department of Defense made an historic announcement. For the first time in the military's history, all combat roles are now open to women. The Washington Post reports that the "landmark decision ends a three-year period of research with a number of firsts for female service members and bitter debate at times about how women should be integrated."

Defense secretary Ashton Carter, who announced the big news, says, “This means that, as long as they qualify and meet the standards, women will now be able to contribute to our mission in ways they could not before.”

Prior to this move, women were shut out of about 10% of military roles, most notably the ones out in the field (i.e. ground combat fighters) and elite groups such as the Navy SEALS or Army Special Forces. That it's taken this long for the government to catch up with the idea that women can do anything that men can do — and usually better — is a little surprising.

In a statement, President Obama, praised the announcement, and says, "As Commander in Chief, I know that this change, like others before it, will again make our military even stronger. Our armed forces will draw on an even wider pool of talent."